Youth Opportunities

The Dallas Zoo and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park offers volunteer opportunities for youth between the ages of 11 and 18. These exciting programs give a wide variety of experiences to teens looking into the field of animal management and conservation education.

In order to be considered, you must complete the online application, attend the information meeting, and interview with our staff. If accepted into our programs, you will be required to submit a program fee, valid TB test results and a medical reference.*Applications for 2015 open on December 1st. We recommend submitting yours in December, as our programs fill quickly!

JUNIOR ZOOKEEPER

Duties: This exciting program gives you a chance to work with zookeepers in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. As a Junior Zookeeper, you will get to work with a variety of domestic species, while learning all about animal care, job responsibility and teamwork. Volunteers work one 4 1/2 hour shift per week, morning (8:00am – 12:30pm) or afternoon (11:30am – 4:00pm), for the entire session.

Age Requirement: 11 to 12 years old by first date of session

SESSION INFORMATION

CONSERVATION GUIDE

Duties: This popular program gives you the opportunity to be informal educators in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, teaching zoo guests about a variety of animal species and conservation topics. You will be trained to use interesting bio-facts, games, crafts, and do animal presentations. You will learn all about zoo husbandry and conservation efforts, as well as job responsibility and teamwork. Volunteers work one 4 1/2 hour shift per week, morning (8:00am – 12:30pm) or afternoon (11:30am – 4:00pm), for the entire session.

Age Requirement: 13 to 18 years old by first date of session

SESSION INFORMATION

PARK AMBASSADOR

Duties: This new program is designed for those who have attended at least one session as a Conservation Guide and are ready to spread their wings. As a Park Ambassador, you’ll be an interpretive guide for guests at stations in the zoo, including the Reptile House, Simmons Safari Base Camp, Gorilla Research Station, and the entry breezeway. You will educate zoo guests about animals and exhibits, as well as answer general questions. If you loved being a Conservation Guide, have great communication skills, and want to share in the Dallas Zoo’s conservation messages, then Park Ambassador is for you! Volunteers work one 4-1/2 hour shift per week, morning (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or afternoon (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), for the entire session.

Age Requirement: 16 to 18 years old by first date of session, with minimum 1 session previous Conservation Guide or Aquarium Guide experience.

SESSION INFORMATION

AQUARIUM GUIDE

Duties: Take the plunge and volunteer at the newly remodeled Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park! Get your feet wet in Stingray Bay or Coastal Touch Tank. Help educate guests about aquatic life and become a guide for our aquatic life conservation. As an Aquarium Guide, you’ll have amazing animal adventures while learning all about animal care, job responsibility and teamwork. Volunteers work one 4 hour shift per week, morning (9:00am – 1:00pm) or afternoon (12:00pm – 4:00pm), for the entire session.

Age Requirement: 14 to 18 years old by first date of session

SESSION INFORMATION

SPRING:

Feb. 7 – May 9, 2015

FULL

SUMMER:

June 6 – Aug. 15, 2015

FULL

Program Fee: $60

JUNIOR CAMP COUNSELOR

Duties: If you enjoy working with children and animals, you’ll enjoy being a Junior Camp Counselor during our summer programs. You’ll lead campers (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8.) in a variety of games and crafts, as well as assist our instructors during tours and field trips. Volunteers must work in full week increments (Monday-Friday) and must be available for the entirety of their 2 or 3 week session. Applications close on March 31, 2015.